Basildon Council Approves £1.3bn Data Centre: Transforming the UK Construction Landscape

Basildon Council has granted planning consent for a £1.3 billion AI-powered data centre on the outskirts of Wickford, Essex. Situated adjacent to the A127 and Old Nevendon Road, this state-of-the-art facility will span approximately 26,000 sqm, including supporting infrastructure and a 34.5-acre nature reserve to expand the Nevendon Wetlands. The project promises to create around 600 construction jobs and 120 permanent roles, putting Basildon on the map as a future powerhouse in the UK’s AI and digital economy.

The Project Overview: A Commitment to Growth

The data centre, strategically located next to the A127, will witness an investment of £500 million in construction and another £500 million earmarked for cutting-edge computer equipment. This dual investment underscores the scale and ambition of the project, which is designed to meet the increasing demand for data and digital services across the UK. Further, the project encompasses a 34.5-acre nature reserve, expanding the Nevendon Wetlands, which underscores the commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Aerial view of the proposed data centre site in Wickford, showcasing the extensive area designated for construction.

Project details:

• Location: Wickford, near A127 and Old Nevendon Road, Basildon

• Total investment: £1.3 billion

• Built-up area: ~26,000 sqm

• Features: High-tech data centre with closed-loop cooling for sustainability, extensive green space including nature reserve

• Jobs: Approximately 600 during construction, 120 permanent operational positions

• Environmental focus: 34.5-acre Nevendon Wetlands conservation, enhanced biodiversity and green buffer zones

Conceptual illustration of the innovative cooling system designed for sustainable data processing.

Delivery Partners and

Stakeholders

• Developer: Caineal, a specialist technology real estate investor

• Planning authority: Basildon Borough Council

• Environmental advisors: Multidisciplinary teams focusing on sustainability and biodiversity net gain

• Industry Support: Essex Chamber of Commerce, local business forums

• Public support: Local Government and community engagement shaping the design and environmental approach

Economic Impact: Job Creation and Community Growth

The economic implications of this project extend beyond its immediate construction. The approval will create approximately 120 permanent jobs, providing local employment opportunities in an era when technological sophistication requires specific skill sets. During the construction phase alone, up to 600 construction roles will be available, further energising the local economy.

With the multiplier effect that job creation has on local businesses, ranging from transportation to retail, the anticipated financial boost to the area will be significant. As these jobs come online, local establishments can expect increased patronage, which is essential in stimulating economic growth.

Eye-level view depicting a gathering discussing the local economic support for the new data centre project.

Technical Details

• Cooling: Advanced closed-loop system minimising water use

• Energy: Designed for high energy efficiency and future Al compute demands

• Infrastructure: New electrical substations, fiber-optic connectivity enhanced for Al workloads

• Nature: Integration of green space that supports local ecology and community recreation

Timeline

• Planning consent: Granted September 2025

• Construction start: Expected early 2026

• Completion: Targeted 2028-29

• Operation: Phased occupation from late 2028

Writer's Opinion

The Basildon Al data centre is a bold step forward for UK tech infrastructure, combining scale and ambition with real care for environment and community. It signals that future data projects must be about more than just capacity-they need to deliver lasting value, through sustainability and local growth. For builders and engineers, it's a rare chance to be part of a transformative site that puts innovation and green building at the heart of the digital economy. This is the future of UK infrastructure, dynamic, integrated and ready for decades of growth.